Roheeni Saxena 2006 Summer New Leader   Program: 2006 New Leaders Program   Current Positions: Campus Progress Student Representative for Wellesley College, as well as holding various positions in on-campus organization.

What personal values shape your political beliefs?
I believe that a government should exist to support and protect its citizens.  I believe that citizens must be invested in the democratic process, and that they need and deserve the education necessary to allow them to make informed decisions about their leadership. I believe that a democracy or a republic is only effective if the citizens of the state actively engage in the political process, helping to keep politics fresh and relevant, forcing legislators to renew their positions such that they continue to serve the interests of the populace as best they can. 

What does “progressive” mean to you?
To me, progressive means planning for and working towards a better future for everyone in a nation-state.  I think that the progressive outlook is built on the idea that the best times are not behind us, but are ahead of us, if we work to better our political and social situation.  I also think that progressivism is built on the idea that "we're all in this together", and that the government has a responsibility to assist every member of the populace equally, regardless of their station in life.

What motivates you to be involved in public service?
I am motivated to participate in public service because I want to provide citizens with those things that the government can give them.  There are so many resources that the government could provide to the people, and I want to see them distributed in a fair way.  Additionally, I believe that representative government depends on a certain percentage of its citizenry to rise to the call of being a representative for the people, and I am strongly given to fulfill that civic duty so that my fellow citizens are I may appropriately give our voice to our political process. 

What did you get out of the New Leaders Program?
I gained an understanding of the inner workings of the sphere of non-governmental organizations, and had the wonderful opportunity to meet many other young people who want to work towards a better future for America.  I also had the wonderful chance to develop my personal and career goals while working with people who are actively involved in the political process. 

What have you been doing since you finished the New Leaders Program?
Since completing the New Leaders Program, I’ve returned to school, where I’m majoring in neuroscience and peace and justice studies.  I’ve been working with Campus Progress to bring greater involvement and awareness of progressive political issues to my college campus.  I’ve become a student representative for Campus Progress, so that I may be better equipped to spread the progressive message. 

Are you pursuing the goals you laid out in the New Leaders Program? If so, how?
I am pursuing some of the goals that I laid out in the New Leaders Program.  I’ve become actively involved in the progressive community and have plans to remain involved in the future. 

Do you still keep in touch with any other New Leaders? If so, how? 
I’ve kept in touch with some of the New Leaders via Facebook, which has become a great tool that my generation uses for staying in contact with friends and acquaintances whom one sees very infrequently.

What advice do you have for other emerging progressive leaders?
I would advise that emerging progressive leaders be involved in their communities, as well as investing some solid time in a leadership program like New Leaders, which provided me with many of the skills and tools that I’m still using in my involvement today.